talentedge

Not many days have passed this year where I haven't had numerous discussions with consultants (and clients) about my thoughts for activity during 2009.  Unfortunately my crystal ball needs a bit of work but here's my thoughts in brief:

• There is work out there
• Organisations are being more cautious about where they spend their training/HR dollar
• Budgets do not appear to have been cut too much as far as training and OD initiatives are concerned
• Approval times are definitely taking longer

Supporting the above is a research article on "Training your way out of Recession" written by Cranfield School of Management (2008).  At last, here is the hard data we've been waiting on to support the anecdotal view that up-skilling current staff, utilizing online training tools and maintaining the training budget is a smart thing to do in low economic times.  The study conducted has concluded that 'investing in training not only saves money but is more effective than shopping around for talent.' (NB: Thanks to an aCE talentNET consultant for sharing this report with us) .

There is no doubt that many of us have experienced a slow start to the year but I'm pleased to report that we are now starting to see an increasing number of enquires for consultants and contractors.  For many organisations it is simply business as usual.  Some consultants may experience some downward pressure on daily rates whilst supply exceeds demand, but I do not see this as a sharp decline, just a normal effect of the laws of economics. 

My advise to consultants is to use this time to:

• Revise and update your CV/marketing materials
• Get your content together for that website you keep meaning to do!
• Have coffee with your network contacts, not just clients but consultants, associates, family and friends... it's a small world out there!
• Volunteer your services to Not For Profits (always good to 'give back' when you can)
• Write proposals... your next big gig is waiting for you.

So get busy, don't panic, because before too long you'll be wishing for these quiet times again!

Have a great month.

Deirdre

Deirdre Gruiters is the Executive Director - Consulting for aCE talent NET, or in other words, aCE talent NET's Corporate Talent Agent. She is also an internationally published author as a result being featured in the July edition of "Consulting Ahead" India (.pdf 5mb) . So if looking for Organisational Development resources is what you're needing to do, then Deirdre and the team of aCE talent NET know how to find them. Ask anyone of our continually satisfied clients

aCE talentNET Global Consultant Study Update

 It is with great pleasure that we announce that the aCE talentNET Global Consultant Study 08-09 report is now complete. Click here to avail of your copy of the Executive Summary ...  

Certainly what you've indicated as being important from a corporate talent agent, aCE talentNET is keen to take that on board and is up for the challenge, with your assistance. For those of you who wish to find more work, we will actively continue to source projects in a shrinking market. For those of you looking to build a business, then we are prepared to teach you everything we know, and more ...yes, that's right! 

We will revisit our affiliate program, smarten it up and roll it out again in its new and improved format. We will look at setting up a forum for consultants to avail as they choose to. We plan to have all of these in place in the very near future. We will also investigate how we can open up keynote speaking opportunities, as this is what you've asked for. But it will take a little longer. We will however be able to be really clever and tie it in with the coaching and mentoring.  Quarterly get-togethers will also offered, together with access to a list of preferred Insurance suppliers, and the ability to download the latest in book summaries and audio offerings.  All of this amazing development will of course come at a price, which we will endeavour to keep as fair and reasonable as possible.   

We will be setting up an internet based coaching and mentoring program that will be specifically about developing you as a savvy and sought-after consultant. In time, if we've done that  development properly, then it will manifest itself in (provided you have put all that you will now understand into practice) you having more of your own work than you'll possibly be able to manage, and that you in turn will be coming to us for assistance with resourcing consultants to deliver. 

As for the aCE talentNET website, the new version is already up and running, with further enhancements to be added on route. There is a dedicated consultant section, which will undergo significant improvement as more features are developed and are ready to incorporate over the coming months. 

We will keep you informed of all initiatives as we go, via announcements in the Professional Edge and the AdvantEdge.    

To understand what is behind each of these initiatives, click here to avail of your copy of the aCE talentNET Global Consultant Study 08-09 Executive Summary...

develop youredge The following 3 articles are our favourites for this month; and a snapshot of the fabulous content on the aCE talentNET blog  ... feel free to visit and make comments Training your way out of the recession ... At last a solid academic report that supports that which most of us know… Researchers from the Cranfield School of Management have released a report “Nurturing Talent", which clearly supports the up-skilling of current staff, utilizing online training tools and not cutting the training budget is a smart thing to do in low economic times. If you want to read a summary of the report a great article can be found on UK Edition of Times Online called "Training your way out of the recession". The study conducted has concluded that 'investing in training not only saves money but is more effective than shopping around for talent.' The report is the first to compare the pro & cons of developing current employees vs. bringing in new recruits. Here are just a few results: 'Three quarters of the 1,189 companies involved in the study felt that training their own staff was more beneficial to their business than recruiting people from outside. Half the companies discovered that training staff made them more likely to stay. One-third found it increased staff motivation, and almost half actually saved money in the process. ' It can't really be said enough at the moment - hold on to your staff, show them how valued they are by investing in their future and you will be rewarded. This also ties right in there with our invaluable Gen Y'ers and the need to keep them interested through on-going learning. Many of Britain's business leaders are urging employers to follow suit: “Now is precisely the time to keep investing in the skills and talents of our people. It is the people we employ who will get us through. When markets are shrinking and order books falling, it is their commitment, productivity and ability to add value that will keep us competitive. Investing now in building new skills will put us in the strongest position as the economy recovers.”... read on AIM Survey Results - Business Performance and Priorities in the Downturn Australian Institute of Management - Survey Results Business Performance and Priorities in the Downturn Tuesday 24 February 2009 The Australian Institute of Management's (AIM) latest survey, ‘Business Performance and Priorities in the Downturn' reveals an Australian business sector that is ‘positive' about its ability to withstand the full impact of the global financial crisis.  .. read on Tax Alert for the Self-Employed/Contractors ICA brings you the news and updates that others miss. If you¹re an independent contractor or a business engaging independent contractors, these news items are important. It's happened again! An independent contractor working through his own company has failed the ‘results test'. The court decision supports the ATO's approach that people working through companies and trusts may have all the company/trust income treated and taxed as if it is their personal income. The ATO is auditing such arrangements, potentially affecting 700,000 workers in Australia.  ICA is consistently impressed with the Victorian Government's approach to small business. It leads Australia with dispute resolution through its Small Business Commissioner. It has just announced a small business marketing package which is worth looking at.   Do you have a rental property as an investment? The ATO has just released some information on claiming tax deductions for repairs, maintenance and capital works. The information is helpful and easy to read.   Tax breaks for independent contractors. Check this government announcement. It¹s about time business paid on time. The Small Business Minister sends a warning to big business. Pay up!   Think about it! How do political trends in the UK impact in independent workers?  For full details of all, click here ...

Consultants

To be eligible for up-coming opportunities, please use this time to complete your online Consultant profile on the website. 

• We are delighted to welcome a number of new Consultants to aCE talentNET.
  
• If you do wish to see what your details are on file, now would be a great time to visit and update as required. However, don't despair if you have lost your password, simply request a new one be sent to you!  We look forward to seeing many of you update your details soon!!!
  
• And don't forget to add your CV directly into the database for ease of updating and information data access.